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Knysna's "Birds of Africa" » 2380




Golden Pheasant. (Large - 22 x 45 cms/ 8.5" x 18")
[2380]
The Golden Pheasant or Chinese Pheasant, (Chrysolophus pictus) is a gamebird of the order Galliformes (gallinaceous birds) and the family Phasianidae. It is native to forests in mountainous areas of western China but feral populations have been established in the United Kingdom, Africa and elsewhere. The adult male is 90-105 cm in length, its tail accounting for two-thirds of the total length. It is unmistakable with its golden crest and rump and bright red body. The deep orange "cape" can be spread in display, appearing as an alternating black and orange fan that covers all of the face except its bright yellow eye, with a pinpoint black pupil. Another characteristic of the male plumage is the central tail feathers which are black spotted with cinnamon as well as the tip of the tail being a cinnamon buff. Males also have a scarlet breast, and scarlet and light chestnut flanks and underparts. Lower legs and feet are a dull yellow.

The female (hen) is much less showy, with a duller mottled brown plumage similar to that of the female Common Pheasant. She is darker and more slender than the hen of that species, with a proportionately longer tail (half her 60–80 cm length). The female's breast and sides are barred buff and blackish brown, and the abdomen is plain buff. She has a buff face and throat. Some abnormal females may later in their lifetime get some male plumage. Lower legs and feet are a dull yellow.

Both males and females have yellow legs and yellow bills.

Despite the male's showy appearance, they are very difficult to see in their natural habitat, and consequently, little is known of their behaviour in the wild.

They feed on the ground on grain, leaves and invertabrea, and roost in trees at night. While they can fly, they prefer to run: but if startled they can suddenly burst upwards at great speed, with a distinctive wing sound. Although they can fly in short bursts they are quite clumsy in flight and spend most of their time on the ground. Golden Pheasants lay 8-12 eggs at a time and will then incubate these for around 22–23 days. The male has a metallic call in the breeding season.

 

 

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This product was added to our catalog on Monday 15 September, 2008.
£45.50 Reviews
UNIQUE GIFTS OF AFRICA, OUT OF AFRICA
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KNYSNA'S BIRDS OF AFRICA

Birds of Africa is situated in the picturesque town of Knysna, along the famous Garden Route of South Africa. The Knysna birds have become much sought after as collector’s items.

Each bird created carries its own Certificate of Authenticity and identification disc bearing its series and limited edition number of which record is kept. Skilled craftsmanship is used in the creation of these unique wooden birds that are hand carved and hand painted.

Consistent with the manufacturer's commitment to the conservation of the environment, the wood sourced is from local South African ‘manmade’ forests.  Yellowwood and mopani root are used and are sourced from natural indigenous forests where the trees have been removed by forestry, after collapse, thereby contributing to the conservation of indigenous forests.

Due to the birds being created by hand, and by different craftsmen, each bird is characteristically unique.  The painting technique, using imported artists’ oil paints, highlights and reveals the grain of the wood. Although this wood is harder and more difficult for carving, it has a distinctive grain that adds to the creation of each bird’s individuality.

PLEASE NOTE: Deliveries of the Knysna birds are direct from the South African factory and although postage will be via first class airmail, please allow 7 - 10 days for delivery.